Wade. My heart tries to jump ship, and I have to rein it in. “Hey.”

“He’s right. That was amazing. And I caught part of yours too, Ander. Great job.”

“Thanks,” he says, glancing between us. “Lunch time. I’ll see you in there.”

After he’s gone, things feel awkward, as if we have hurdles between us. Who’s going to be the first to jump?

“That wasn’t one of River’s activities.”

“No. I thought we needed it.” I cross my arms, suddenly feeling unsure. “You said I could change things up if I wanted.”

He steps closer, and I can feel the heat from his body. “It wasn’t a criticism, Can.”

“Oh. Right.”

“Look at me.”

I obey the command without hesitation. The heat in his gaze reminds me of last night, and I jump from comfortably warm to burning up in seconds.

“You did well. But I admit hearing my brother praise you— I’m feeling very possessive.”

Why does that bug me? Oh yeah. I remember. “You left this morning without a word, but I can’t get praise from someone else? That’s messed up.”

His jaw tightens. “I left you a message. I told Jared.”

“He was busy not talking to Ander.”

“I’m so sorry, Can.” He squeezes the back of my arm. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. Last night was amazing.”

And that’s seriously all it takes for the world to shift. How can one person affect me so much? And what happens when the retreat is over, and this is all just a memory?

“It’s fine.” But my happiness sours a little at the reminder that this is fleeting.

He lets out a growly sound, and if he’s wanting to get my attention, that does it. “Follow me.”

He leads the way into the dining hall, nodding at people as we weave through the small crowd. He barely slows down. Where are we going?

Lydia steps in front of him, asking about cherry pie. Then Sheila wants to know if he got healthier dinner options. And George wants to talk about a snake he found outside his cabin and his worries about getting bitten.

He finally breaks free from the group and strides ahead, expecting me to follow. And, of course, I do.

He is my boss.

A small conference room is off the dining hall. It’s clearly designed for youth because the walls are brightly colored. It has several tables, a bookshelf, and even a small TV. There’s a keyboard in the corner of the room. He closes the blinds to the windows, all business, and it’s hot as hell. “Shut the door, please.”

“Am I in trouble?” I ask sweetly because I love to see the heat flare in his eyes.

Instead of answering, he walks toward me until I’m pressed against the green door and he’s pressed against me. “Do you want to be?”

“Depends on the punishment.”

His hands go to my face as he kisses me. When he moves back, his eyes hold a hint of concern. “Are we okay?”

This is sweet, but I need the bosshole. I nod in response because words with him this close are impossible. The heat of his body. The scent of his cologne and…bug repellant. Which shouldn’t be sexy at all.

“Good.” He kisses me again. Soft, sweet kisses that grow in intensity until I’m moaning breathlessly. He moves from my mouth to the side of my neck.

I gasp. “Wade?”